Huge response to petition calling for gardeners to get their jobs back

HILDEGARD Brooker has started a petition calling for the re-instatement of the expert gardeners.

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A CAMPAIGN to bring expert gardeners back to Fletcher Moss Park is gathering momentum.

Hildegard Brooker, 83, of Mersey Road, Didsbury, mounted a petition last week and says she has already received many signatures.

Petitions are now available in Evans the fishmongers, Boots the chemist, and the Shell petrol station, on Wilmslow Road, in Didsbury Village, and Mace, on Barlow Moor Road, in West Didsbury, for those who still want to sign.

Mrs Brooker said: "I have had people phone me who want to help. The campaign seems to be gaining momentum. There's been an enormous response and there's a big feeling about it."

After a walk in the gardens last week she said: "Glendales have moved in in great force. I'm sure they were determined to show they mean business."

The Reporter has also been inundated with people wanting to express their concern Manchester City Council's decision.

Sophie Louise Wilson, of Mayville Drive, Didsbury, said: "I've always loved Fletcher Moss. I think it's absolutely disgusting that they want to take the people away that look after the garden. It's really such a shame that they have planned this. They are philistines."

Alison Cole, of Didsbury, said: "We always use the park. I used it before I was married and now I take the children there for the day or just before or after school. I'm really surprised that the gardeners are going.

Barbara Lally, of Orchard Road East, Northenden, added: "I take my mum there and she is in a wheelchair. I think it would be a real shame to lose it and it is just another example of Manchester City Council dumbing down services. I am a horticulturist and I don't think I would know how to look after it, I wouldn't dream of it. It takes years and years to build up the knowledge."

Marion Kilburn, of Burnage Lane, East Didsbury, said: "I have been going for years and took my own children. I have always brought visitors and don't want to see any changes happening."

And in a letter to the council Lillian Lea, from Kingsway, Didsbury, said: "It is a tragedy. Don't you realise that people come from near and far to visit the gardens, and it gives pleasure to thousands of people. It is a real haven of peace and tranquility, where people love to pop in during their lunch breaks for a bit of peace and to admire the beauty of the place.

"Even in the depths of winter my daughter and I love to sit in the Alpine Garden in a sheltered spot, a real sun-trap, and enjoy the scenery.

"I am not a Mancunian but have lived here for over 50 years and have always been grateful to Alderman Fletcher Moss for bequething the gardens to the people of Manchester to enjoy."

Margaret Knowles, 63, of Riverbank Walk, said: "My sister who has lived in Prestwick for over 40 years comes down and we walk down there, talk about the world and sort the family out. It's our place for peace and relaxation.

"It's wicked to let it go. I'm amazed at Manchester City Council."

THOSE who wish to become involved in the campaign, and especially those that can offer Mrs Brooker the use of a computer, should call her on 0161 445 0383.